How to Tell If a Text or Call From Your Bank Is Real

Every day, scammers send thousands of texts and calls pretending to be banks. Some claim there’s a problem with your account. Others say a suspicious transaction needs your immediate attention. Plenty of them look real enough to fool people who are paying close attention.

The numbers back that up. Americans reported losing $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, and within that total, bank impersonators accounted for the highest losses of any business impersonation scam, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

So it’s no surprise that one of the most common questions we hear at PSB Bank is, “How do I know if this message is really from my bank?” During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re sharing practical tips to help you spot suspicious messages, verify communications, and protect your accounts with confidence.

Why Bank Impersonation Scams Are Becoming More Common

Scammers know that money-related messages grab attention. A text saying your debit card is locked or a call about suspicious account activity can make anyone concerned. Fraudsters use that worry to pose as a trusted bank and create a sense of urgency.

Many scams today look convincing. Fake bank text messages often use realistic language and links that appear legitimate, while scam phone calls may even seem to come from a familiar number.

As banking becomes more digital, scammers have more ways to reach people through texts, calls, emails, and mobile devices. That’s why staying informed and recognizing the warning signs are two of the best ways to protect yourself.

What Are the Signs of a Bank Impersonation Scam?

6 Signs a Text or Call May Not Be From Your Bank

Sign 1

They Ask for Passwords or Verification Codes

One of the most common signs of a bank impersonation scam is a request for information that should stay private. For example, you may receive a text saying:

That verification code may be the final step a scammer needs to access your account or authorize a transaction.

If someone unexpectedly contacts you and asks for a password, PIN, or security code, don’t share it. End the conversation and contact your bank through a trusted channel.

Sign 2

They Create Urgency or Fear

Scammers want you focused on the problem they describe instead of the details of the message itself. They might claim:

• Your account will be frozen today.
• A transfer is already in progress.
• Your debit card has been permanently blocked.
• Immediate action is required to avoid financial loss.

A legitimate fraud alert may notify you of important account activity, but pressure and threats are reasons to slow down and verify the message independently.

Sign 3

The Phone Number Looks Familiar

Many people assume a call is real when the caller ID displays their bank’s phone number. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.

Scammers can use caller ID spoofing to make a call appear to come from a familiar or trusted number. The number may even match the one printed on your debit card.

Sign 4

You’re Asked to Click a Suspicious Link

A fake bank text message may contain a link to a lookalike website built to collect usernames, passwords, and personal information. Be careful if the message:

• Arrives unexpectedly
• Uses a shortened web address
• Contains spelling or grammar mistakes
• Directs you to log in immediately
• Looks different from previous bank communications

Rather than clicking the link, open your banking app or type your bank’s website address directly into your browser.

Sign 5

They Request Sensitive Information

Someone posing as your banker may ask for:

• Social Security numbers
• Online banking credentials
• Debit card PINs
• Security question answers
• One-time authentication codes

Scammers use that information to get into accounts or commit identity theft. If you’re suspicious, stop the conversation and contact your bank directly using a trusted phone number.

Sign 6

The Message Doesn’t Match Your Activity

Sometimes the simplest clue is that the message doesn’t make sense.

Maybe the text mentions a business account when you only have personal accounts. Maybe it references a wire transfer you’ve never sent or a service you’ve never used. When details don’t line up with your actual banking activity, take a step back and verify the message.

When Your Bank May Contact You

Banks do occasionally contact customers regarding legitimate account matters. Common reasons include:

At PSB Bank, protecting our customers is a priority. There may be times when we reach out regarding account activity or security concerns.

How Can I Verify a Text or Call From My Bank?

If you’re uncertain whether a call or text is real, follow these simple steps:

Taking a moment to verify a message can go a long way toward preventing fraud. For added peace of mind, sign in to your online banking account or mobile app to check for legitimate alerts, messages, or unusual activity.

What to Do If You Already Responded

If you clicked a suspicious link, shared information, or provided account credentials, act quickly. The steps you need to take may depend on how you interacted with the message:

The FTC’s reporting portal accepts reports about scams and unwanted calls, provides recommended next steps, and shares reports with law-enforcement partners.

Contact PSB Bank

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a bank text is real?

Don’t rely on the message alone. Avoid its links and phone numbers, and contact your bank through its official website, mobile app, the number on your card, or a recent statement.

Can scammers spoof my bank’s phone number?

Yes. Caller ID can be manipulated to make a call appear to come from a trusted number. Hang up and call your bank using a number you found independently.

Will a bank ask for my password?

Treat an unexpected request for your online banking password, debit card PIN, or one-time verification code as a red flag. End the conversation and contact your bank directly before sharing any information.

What should I do after clicking a suspicious link?

Close the page, and don’t enter or download anything. If you entered a password, change it through the official website or app, and update any other account that uses the same password. Contact your bank immediately if financial information may be involved.

Should I respond to a text asking to verify a purchase?

Instead of responding directly, contact your bank using a trusted phone number to confirm whether the alert is legitimate.

How do I report a bank impersonation scam?

Contact your bank and save any relevant messages, screenshots, phone numbers, and transaction details. You can also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission or submit an online-crime complaint to the FBI.

Can I report a scam text without calling anyone?

You can forward a suspicious text to 7726, which spells “SPAM,” and then delete the message. If the message mentions a bank account or transaction, contact your bank independently as well.

Member FDIC.